FAQs

Why does my freezer seem loud when it turns on?

Newer freezer models have greater storage capacity and a broader temperature range, both of which require a high-speed compressor. The compressor is what you hear when your freezer turns on, and it’s normal for the sound level to be higher than on older models.

What does the alarm or “buzzer sound” mean?

On some freezer models, you might hear an alarm or a “buzzer sound” if the freezer’s temperature rises above 20˚F. If you do hear it, simply turn the Temp-Alarm off until the temperature is again below 20˚F. It’s also a good idea to check that your freezer is level, and that its door closes freely and with a proper seal. Once you close your freezer door, leave it closed so the freezer temperature can decrease.

What should I do if my freezer isn’t running?

If your freezer is not running, it might be due to one of the following reasons:

The control knob is turned to OFF. Simply set the knob back to ON.

A fuse is blown in your house, or a circuit breaker is tripped. If this is the case, reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse with a 15 amp time-delay fuse.

The power cord may not be plugged in. Check to be sure the plug fits tightly into the wall outlet. Note: Do not use an extension cord.

A power outage has occurred. In this case, you might want to call your local electric company.

How can I set my freezer to run less frequently, or for shorter intervals?

Adjust the temperature setting. Set the control knob to a lower number, then allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize.

Open the door or lid less frequently. Whenever the door or lid is opened, the warm air that enters can cause the temperature in the freezer to rise, triggering the freezer to run in order to lower it again.

Clean or change the gasket. Leaks in the gasket seal can let warm air in, causing your freezer to run more in order to maintain the desired temperature. If your freezer gasket is dirty, worn, cracked, or poorly fitted, you should clean or change it.

Please note that it’s normal for your freezer to run more frequently if:

It has recently been disconnected for a period of time. After being reconnected, the freezer can take up to 24 hours to completely cool down again.

It is a larger freezer. Larger freezers will require more running time to stay cold.

You’ve recently placed large amounts of warm or hot food in it. Warmer items in the freezer will affect its temperature, and it will run longer in order to return to your selected setting.

The outside weather is hot, or room temperature is cold. The freezer will have to work harder under these conditions.

The lid has been opened frequently. If warm air has been allowed in to the freezer, it will run longer in order to return to the desired temperature.

What can I do if the lid on my freezer won’t close?

If your freezer won’t close, it might be because the lid does not tightly fit the shape of the unit. The lid is designed to be flexible, allowing it to conform to the unit. If you notice that the lid is wrapping at one corner and/or not forming a tight fit, simply raise it and allow it to close sharply—this will help reestablish a tight fit.

Why is there ice inside my freezer?

If you see ice or frost inside your freezer, it could be because the door or lid has been opened frequently or for too long, or because the freezer needs to be defrosted. Note: In hot and humid weather, it is normal for frost to build up more quickly. Frost-free freezers should not build up ice, it should melt ice into the drop pan to warm and evaporate the frost away.

What should I do if the light bulb in the freezer is off?

Check to see if the bulb is burned out, and if it is, replace it with an appliance bulb of the same wattage. If the bulb isn’t burned out but the light is still off, there might not be electricity running to the freezer. If this is the case, the safety signal light outside the freezer will also be off.

Is it normal to hear a popping or cracking sound when the freezer motor (compressor) comes on?

Yes, this is normal. These sounds can be caused by the freezer’s metal parts as they expand and contract with temperature changes, or by the circulation of the refrigerant that’s used to cool the freezer. The sounds will level off or disappear entirely as your freezer continues to run

Can I make my freezer’s temperature warmer?

If the freezer temperature is colder than you’d like, turn the control knob to a lower number and allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize

Can I make my freezer’s temperature colder?

If the freezer temperature is warmer than you’d like, turn the control knob to a higher number and allow 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize

Is it normal for my freezer to make vibrating or rattling sounds?

If your freezer is vibrating or rattling, check the below:

Be sure the freezer is level. If your freezer rocks on the floor when it is moved slightly, level it by adjusting the leveling legs or by using wooden shims. You should also check to be sure that the floor can adequately support your freezer.

Check to see if the freezer is touching the wall. If so, move it slightly or re-level it.

Remove any items that are on top of the freezer.

Check items inside the freezer. It is normal for items inside the freezer to vibrate somewhat. If it seems they’re vibrating too much, try re-leveling the freezer or moving it slightly.

What does ENERGY STAR® qualified mean?

Products that are ENERGY STAR® qualified are equivalent to or better than standard products, with one important difference: they use less energy. To learn the ENERGY STAR® rating, products must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the U.S. Department of Energy. Because they use less energy, these products save money on your electricity bill and help protect the environment by reducing harmful emissions from power plants. Plus, you get all of the features and quality you expect.

When shopping for an appliance, it's easy to recognize the ENERGY STAR® label that identifies qualified products. This label means that the product passed stringent standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Additionally, manufacturers are required to display their products’ test results on the ENERGY STAR® label. The label will tell you about the product's efficiency level, including approximately how much energy the appliance uses, its average annual operating cost, and how its energy use compares with that of similar products.

If the door or lid of your freezer is open slightly, it can cause the cold air from inside to meet the warm, moist outside air. This can result in moisture being produced on the outside of the freezer. High humidity can also produce the same result.

What can I do if I detect an odor in my freezer?

Odors in your freezer can be caused by how food is stored. Some foods have a strong odor, so be sure to cover them tightly. Sometimes odors can also be caused by certain containers and wrapping materials (such as paper, foil, or plastic). If you think this might be the case, try using different containers or a different brand of wrapping material.

After you’ve checked how your food is stored, try cleaning the interior of your freezer with a sponge, warm water, and baking soda.